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Lesson 1 - Map Reading and Face Orienteering

Strategic Orienteering: Map Reading to Competitive Navigation

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Year 6

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Outdoor Adventurous Activities

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Big Question

How do maps and symbols help us navigate and work as an effective team?

Learning Objectives

To understand and use a map key correctly for navigation
To follow simple maps and symbols to complete orienteering tasks
To demonstrate effective teamwork and cooperation skills

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully use map symbols and keys to navigate
Students will work collaboratively to complete orienteering challenges
Students will understand the importance of teamwork in outdoor activities

Equipment & Resources Required

Maps

15 copies (1 per pair)

Laminate maps for durability and reuse

Alternative: Hand-drawn simple maps if printed copies unavailable

PE Equipment

Multiple sets

Organise equipment in easily accessible containers for each group

Alternative: Cones, bean bags, playground balls, hoops, skipping ropes

Coloured Cones

25 (various colours)

Spread around area for warm-up activity

Alternative: Coloured bean bags or markers

Clipboards

15 (optional)

Useful for supporting maps during activity

Alternative: Hard surfaces for writing

Visual Aids

1 set

Large enough for whole class to see clearly

Alternative: Hand-drawn pictures or classroom objects

Key Vocabulary

Orienteering

A sport that requires navigational skills using a map and compass to navigate from point to point

Map Key

A guide that explains what the symbols on a map represent

Symbol

A mark or sign that represents something else

Aerial View

The view of something from directly above, like a bird's eye view

Navigation

The process of finding your way from one place to another

Cooperation

Working together towards a common goal

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of following instructions
Experience working in pairs and small groups
Awareness of different equipment and objects

Current Skills

Map reading and symbol recognition
Using keys to interpret maps
Cooperative problem-solving in pairs
Basic orienteering navigation skills

Next Steps

Advanced orienteering with compass use
Creating own orienteering courses
Multi-stage orienteering challenges
Leadership roles in outdoor activities

Milestone Indicators

Independently uses map key to identify symbols

Completes face orienteering tasks with minimal support

Demonstrates clear teamwork and communication

Shows understanding of aerial view concepts

Key Teaching Points

Maps show aerial (bird's eye) views of places and objects from directly above
Map keys are essential tools that explain what each symbol represents
Effective teamwork requires communication, cooperation, and shared responsibility
Orienteering combines map reading skills with physical activity and problem-solving
Taking turns and listening to your partner leads to better results than working alone
Accuracy is more important than speed when learning new skills
Resilience and determination help us improve even when tasks are challenging

Common Misconceptions

Maps show side views of objects - correct to aerial/top-down view concept
Symbols must look exactly like real objects - explain simplified representation concept
Faster completion always means better performance - emphasise accuracy over speed
One person should do all the work in partnerships - stress equal participation
Getting lost or confused means failure - frame as learning opportunities
Orienteering is only about finding your way - highlight teamwork and problem-solving elements

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide fidget tools if needed, use clear visual boundaries, offer movement breaks when required

dyspraxia

Simplify map layouts, provide extra time for tasks, use larger equipment that's easier to handle, offer step-by-step instruction cards

autism spectrum

Provide clear visual schedule of activities, allow processing time for instructions, offer quiet space if overwhelmed, use consistent routines

visual impairment

Use high contrast maps with bold symbols, provide tactile markers on equipment, buddy system with sighted partners, verbal descriptions of map layouts

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all instructions, written instruction cards, clear hand signals for communication, ensure face-to-face communication

physical disability

Adapt movement requirements - allow walking instead of running, provide wheelchair accessible routes, modify equipment heights if needed

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following and giving clear instructions, developing vocabulary related to direction and position, discussing and explaining strategies

Maths

Understanding coordinates and position, using scales and measurements, interpreting symbols and keys in data representation

Science

Forces and motion during running activities, understanding perspective and viewpoints, observational skills and data recording

Geography

Map reading skills, understanding aerial photographs, recognising symbols and landmarks, spatial awareness and direction

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation skills, resilience and determination, leadership qualities, communication and conflict resolution

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location during activities to observe all groups, move closer to support struggling pairs

Observation Focus

Watch for accurate map reading, positive partner cooperation, safe movement, engagement levels

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggle with map concepts, support pairs experiencing conflict, provide encouragement during challenging moments

Demonstration Notes

Use large, clear gestures for aerial view concepts, physically demonstrate cooperative partner work, show correct map reading technique step by step

Verbal Cues

•'Check your key first!'
•'What does your partner think?'
•'Remember to look from above!'
•'Teamwork means both people help!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 40m outdoor area with clear boundaries, flat surface free from holes or obstacles

Surface Check

Check for holes, wet or slippery areas, debris, and adequate drainage

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Ensure all equipment is appropriate size for Year 6 students
•Check cones and markers have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify maps are laminated to prevent paper cuts
•Ensure equipment containers are stable and won't tip over

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during warm-up running activities
•Trips and falls while moving between orienteering stations
•Frustration and conflict during competitive elements
•Getting lost or confused during orienteering tasks

Risk Mitigation

•Establish clear boundaries and safe movement rules
•Ensure adequate spacing between orienteering stations
•Monitor stress levels during competitive activities
•Provide clear, simple instructions and demonstrations
•Maintain visual supervision of all groups at all times

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position centrally to observe all three orienteering stations
•Move between groups during activities to provide support
•Monitor for signs of frustration or conflict between partners
•Ensure students follow safety rules during transitions

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately for any injury, assess situation, provide first aid if qualified, seek additional help if needed, ensure other students remain safely supervised